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Illinois Basketball: Illini roster with Akoy Agau and Mark Alstork

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 17, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) attempts to control the ball between Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) and Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) attempts to control the ball between Illinois Fighting Illini forward Michael Finke (43) and Illini guard Te’Jon Lucas (3) in the second half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Wolverines won 75-55. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Forward/Center

Starter: Akoy Agau

Illinois is currently in the running for graduate transfer Akoy Agau. He is a 6-foot-8, 235-pound beast who would fill the hole left by Maverick Morgan at the traditional center position.

Agau spent two seasons with the Louisville Cardinals before finishing up his third year at Georgetown last season. He is now a graduate transfer and will have one year of eligibility remaining for the Illini in 2017.

The Illini were missing depth at the center position, but if Agau decides to pick Illinois he would help solidify the No. 5 spot for at least this year.

Right now, Agau is on a visit to Illinois and hopefully, the coaching staff can convince him to come to Champaign. They need him for this upcoming season because the only player they would have over 6-foot-7 would be Michael Finke.

Agau would be a nice addition to a program that needs athletic size in the middle.

Next: 3 possible landing spots for DJ Williams

Backup: Michael Finke

There was a thought that Michael Finke was going to be the starting center entering next season. But, if Agau would commit to the Illini then Finke would be shifted to the backup role.

This isn’t a bad spot for Finke, though. He hasn’t been able to develop his defensive game yet, but he is still a great shooter. Underwood is going to do wonders for this kid, and Illini fans should be able to notice a difference in year one.

Finke has the potential to be a really good big man. He has great height and shooting ability, now all he needs is to get a little stronger in the paint.

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